World reacts to Georgia upheaval

Governments around the world have reacted to the political turbulence in Georgia with words of caution and concern. Here is some of the reaction in quotes.

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Kofi Annan, United Nations Secretary General:

"The secretary general continues to follow with concern the volatile situation in Georgia. He reiterates his call to all parties to exercise restraint, and urges them to do everything possible to initiate a viable political dialogue towards a peaceful solution to this crisis," Mr Annan spokesman said.

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Richard Boucher, spokesman for the US Department of State:

"We call on all sides to refrain from the use of force or violence, and to enter into a dialogue with a view to restoring calm and reaching a compromise solution acceptable to all and in the interest of Georgia."

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Leonid Kuchma, Ukrainian President and current chairman of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), a loose grouping of former Soviet republics:

"Political forces are ready to take power in unconstitutional ways. Such an attempt is unacceptable for all democratic states.

"The CIS countries call on all of Georgia's political forces who are concerned about their country's independence and territorial integrity to return to the framework of democracy and constitution."

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Bill Rammell, UK Foreign Office Minister:

"It is absolutely essential that all parties exercise maximum restraint.

"We repeat our call for those concerned to engage in urgent political dialogue with a view to bringing calm and stability to Georgia."

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Dutch Foreign Minister Jaap de Hoop Scheffer, acting head of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE):

"[Georgians must] search in peace for a way out and a democratic solution," spokeswoman Stella Ronner said.

[Mr de Hoop Scheffer] called on [Georgian President Eduard] Shevardnadze to above all find a political and democratic solution."

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Boguslaw Majewski, Polish foreign ministry spokesman:

"We hope that the two sides will manage to keep apart and remain calm, and that they will find a solution using peaceful methods."

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Cosmin Dobran, Romanian foreign ministry spokesman:

"This situation is of particular concern to us with respect to the implications it may have for stability in the region."

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Walter Schwimmer, Council of Europe Secretary General:

"I strongly urge all of those involved to refrain from using any form of violence, and to seek a democratic solution to the current situation within Georgia's constitutional framework.

"At this stage we must all think very carefully about what is best for Georgia and its future within the European family of democratic nations."